Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 9 June, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico at the Kuksaroy residence.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening and expanding practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Slovakia.

At the outset of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the Slovak Prime Minister’s visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development of multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

The sides welcomed the positive momentum in political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. Bilateral contacts between foreign ministries have intensified, the exchange of delegations has increased, and collaboration in culture and education is expanding.

Trade turnover has shown steady growth. In May, the inaugural session of the Intergovernmental Commission was held, during which promising areas of partnership were identified. Work is currently underway to launch new cooperative projects.

In light of contemporary global challenges, both sides emphasized the importance of close coordination between their foreign ministries, including within the framework of cooperation with European institutions.

Special focus was placed on expanding bilateral trade. Discussions covered the export of Uzbek textile, agricultural, electrical, chemical products and polymers to Slovakia, as well as the import of Slovak rubber, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial goods.

As part of existing agreements in the fields of technical regulation and metrology, both parties agreed to remove technical barriers and establish a quantum measurement standards laboratory.

The sides reached an agreement to jointly develop a comprehensive Industrial Cooperation Program involving leading Slovak companies. The program will encompass projects in the agro-industrial sector, local production of auto components, pharmaceutical manufacturing, development of green energy, and tourism.

Cooperation in digital technologies and startup investment was also identified as a promising area. In this context, the creation of a joint venture capital fund was proposed to support and accelerate IT startups.

Both parties emphasized the need to actively utilize available financial instruments to support joint initiatives.

In the humanitarian sphere, the two sides reaffirmed their shared interest in expanding educational and scientific exchanges. An agreement was reached to launch joint research programs, including cooperation with Comenius University in Bratislava.

A bilateral Cultural Cooperation Program is set to be signed, which will include mutual exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and joint museum projects.

The development of organized labor migration was also discussed. The Slovak side expressed interest in establishing systematic cooperation in this field.

The leaders exchanged views on current international issues and reaffirmed mutual support on multilateral platforms.

As a result of the meeting, both parties agreed to adopt a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached and the execution of joint projects.